December 2008

Hone your business skills with two outstanding economic updates scheduled for January 2009, beginning with the ABoR/HBA Housing Forecast.  Co-sponsored by ABoR and the Home Builders Association of Greater Austin (HBA), the event will take place from 8 – 11 a.m. on Tuesday, January 6 at the Renaissance Austin Hotel and includes commentary from Jon Hockenyos of Texas Perspectives, Gary Farmer of Heritage Title and Eldon Rude of MetroStudy.  Tickets to the event are $75 each and are available only to ABoR and HBA members.  Learn more and purchase tickets by clicking here.

On Thursday, January 15, join AngelouEconomics for the 2009-2010 Economic Forecast: Global Trends, Local Impacts from 7:30 – 9:45 a.m. at the Austin Convention Center.  Zanny Minton Beddoes, economics editor for The Economist, and Angelos Angelou will discuss the local, national and global events of 2008 and offer predictions for the coming year’s economic trends.  Tickets for the forecast are $165 each or $1,500 for a table of 10 and are available through January 12.  Click here for ticket purchase or more information.

The local housing market continues to serve as a font of good news for the Central Texas economy.  According to Housing Predictor, which offers housing forecasts for 250 markets, Austin ranks sixth among the 10 Most Promising Housing Markets.  These markets boast healthy regional economies and show a strong potential for increasing prosperity. 

Other cities on this list include Biloxi, Mississippi; Salem, Oregon; Bismarck, North Dakota; Spokane, Washington; Yakima, Washington; Grand Junction, Colorado; Fargo, North Dakota; Mobile, Alabama; and Albuquerque, New Mexico.  These metropolises are expected to enjoy steady and dependable growth into the foreseeable future.

ABoR has created three new MLS courses to help subscribers learn more about third-party MLS products and services as well as the new resources available through MLXchange 5.0.

Unlock the power of the various MLS tools and services provided to ACTRIS subscribers free of charge with the MLS Business Tools course.  Discover how third-party resources including ListHub, MarketMetrics, Property Panorama and Pocket Real Estate (PRE) Wireless can save you time and advance your customer care.

Subscribers with broker-level access to MLXchange and Abor.com have numerous exclusive tools at their fingertips.  In the Broker/Office Manager class, you will learn how to upload office logos in MLXchange, create your office message of the day, use the ABoR broker toolbox and much more.

As part of the December 18 MLXchange 5.0 upgrade, the Report Writer feature will replace the Designer Tool package.  Find out how to design and customize report pages and flyers using this robust new tool in the Report Writer class. 

ACTRIS subscribers may register for these or any other MLS courses free of charge by clicking here.  For questions or concerns regarding MLS training, please contact the MLS Support Team.

In the coming year, the Texas Real Estate Political Action Committee (TREPAC) will bring you a variety of unique and entertaining ways to invest in your industry. 

In February, bring your sweetheart to the Gold Rush Party and exchange your old baubles for cash.  Things heat up in March with the second annual Chili Cook-Off, where Central Texas REALTORS® will compete to see who has the hottest chili recipe.  In April, tee up for the popular Golf Tourney.  Unwind in August with the much-anticipated Wine Tasting and Silent Auction, and end the 2009 investment year on a high note with the Rock the PAC concert in September.

Sponsorship opportunities for all TREPAC fundraising events are available.  For more information on events and sponsorships, contact Emily Chenevert in the Government and Community Affairs Department. 

Affiliate members: boost your visibility by participating in the exclusive 2009 Diamond Sponsor program.  For an annual charge of less than $3,500, your company will be promoted at all ABoR events throughout 2009.  Diamond Sponsors enjoy a host of benefits, including:

• Company logo placement on Abor.com and all 2009 issues of Austin REALTOR®;
• Signage at ABoR events such as Realty Round Up, Installation and Most Worthy Citizen;
• One half-page color ad in Austin REALTOR®;
• One 10’x10’ Realty Round Up booth; and
• An opportunity to address new members at a New Member Orientation session. 

For a complete list of sponsorship benefits, click here.  

If you are interested in taking part in this exciting advertising opportunity, please contact Katie Pfeil in the Marketing and Communications Department.  Please note that space is limited and this program is open only to ABoR Affiliate members.